best and easy way to tarp a roof

Wow, I love this thread.

I was thinking of throwing a tarp onto my roof for the winter as well. I get ice damning, and unfortunately, the resulting interior damage to my ceilings and walls. I need to get a new roof soon but holding off until funding is in line.

I saw a house that tarped their roof last year and thought, hmm, great idea. I Googled the idea and came across this thread, and the wealth of information you all have shared.

But now I'm stumped. Tarping isn't the solution due to wind and lifting, and felt...well, I'm not all together clear on how that works, or whether it would survive snow, ice and rain.

If felt could survive, would I (or, more likely someone else) simply nail (yikes) the felt down the valleys, and possibly along the gutter-line...on an angle (as mentioned)???

Wouldn't the ice and snow still "dam" since the water/ice would drip under the felt, and also leak if any holes exist in the roof? What does the felt prevent?

An alternative, but related question would be about heating elements: does anyone recommend the heating elements to prevent ice damming? I've heard the problem with those was, if you don't turn them off, you will have a whopper of a heating bill. Maybe over the years, someone came up with a sensor to turn on and off the heating elements when moisture hits them??? Any insights?

Looking for help from this very brilliant forum of DIYs -- what do you suggest for my roof issue? (looking for the cheapest, easiest, most effective solution to get through the winter...until a new roof can be afforded -- maybe a metal roof could be my long-term solution).

Help!

Susie

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best and easy way to tarp a roof

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusieV

Looking for help from this very brilliant forum of DIYs -- what do you suggest for my roof issue? (looking for the cheapest, easiest, most effective solution to get through the winter...until a new roof can be afforded -- maybe a metal roof could be my long-term solution).

Help!

Susie

See post #9

DM

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best and easy way to tarp a roof

The heating elements are virtually worthless. The freeze-thaw cycles produce such mass quantities of ice in the gutters and with temps well below freezing, it is nearly impossible to eliminate/melt the ice. Your best bet is to keep the temps in the attic the same temp as the outside........this is what keeps ice from forming in the gutters. If your attic is warmer than the outside air, it melts the snow which accumulates as water in the gutters and builds up ICE DAMS as a result. You really need to address the ventilation problem before anything else.

best and easy way to tarp a roof

1) DangerMouse, I like the idea you had in Post #9, but wonder if it's more appropriate for a shed roof, than a pitched house roof. Not sure but will continue to ponder that great suggestion.

2) Okay, seems everyone is in agreement: heating elements are out.

3) Ventilation issues: yes, I have had those addressed under the limited abilities of a retro-fit correction. Insulation along the kneewall, added vents along the soffit (? guter area), a solar fan to help with circulation, etc.

What I have been told was, because my roof is older, there isn't sufficient...hmm, I believe it was "flashing". Once I re-roof, it significantly help. And of course, additional ventilation can be added.

But I'm not at that re-roof point. So it's tarp...or nailed on felt...or...continuing to try and "roof rake".

best and easy way to tarp a roof

Felt over your exsisting roof is not likely to survive all winter. The air/heat loss issue pertains to the amount of insulation over your heated living space; is there enough to keep the attic from "heating up" and making the snow pack melt on the bottem. Tarp is the goto for TEMPORARY protection.

best and easy way to tarp a roof

I've seen tarps of all colors, but, yeah, mostly blue........they seem to be the least expensive. I have purchased a few at Tractors Supply that were black on one side and gray on the other. Not sure who makes them though.